Monday, January 27, 2014

Lobby Day

Several hundred VEA members came to the Capitol today, and
we thank them for lobbying in support of public education.

They came to Richmond when the weather was warmer and when
VEA received a warmer reception from legislators.Elections make a difference, and having a
governor who sees teachers as part of the solution, rather than part of the
problem, makes a huge difference.Republicans noticed that we backed 17 Republican House candidates, who
are loyal supporters of public education, in November.That proves what we have said all along, VEA
is issue driven and party blind.Stand
up for public education and we will stand up for you.

Elections make a difference and we are reaping the benefit
of your good work in the last election cycle.

Speaking of elections, VEA welcomed Senator Wexton to the
Senate who recently won the election in the 33rd Senate
District.Her seat was vacated by Mark
Herring when he was elected Attorney General.

One of VEA’s bills, Delegate Rust’s HB 977, which changes
the time a teacher has to appeal dismissal from 5 to 10 business days, was
reported from the House Education Committee on a 22-0 vote.

Rob Bell’s HB 63, which allows homeschooled students to participate
in interscholastic programs (sports), was reported on a 13-8 vote.

Our chance on killing this bill on the Senate side improved
when Lynwood Lewis prevailed in today’s recount.As soon as he is seated, the Democrats will control
the Senate, and it appears that the committees will be reconstituted.

For those folks who think their vote doesn’t matter, Lewis
become a Senator because he had 11 move votes that Coleman.

The next days promise to be most interesting as we watch the
senate and all its committees shift.It
is rumored that John Edwards will replace Steve Martin as chair of the Senate
Education and Health Committee.I don’t ever
remember this happening mid-session.This is going to be something to behold!